Timing is Everything: Dani Raanan’s Success Story

The journey to becoming an author can be full of challenges. Without support, guidance and a healthy dose of resilience, it can feel all too tempting to give up. A shining example of why you should always believe in yourself and never give up is author and former Ultimate Novel Writing Course student Dani Raanan. We caught up with Dani following some exciting news to reflect on her journey so far and what she’s learned along the way.

Hi Dani, thank you so much for chatting to us about your writing journey. One thing that strikes us about your story is how determined you are.

Hi, thank you for giving me this opportunity! It feels wild to be in this position and to be able to talk about this with you. It’s kind you think I’m determined – doggedly stubborn is more how I feel sometimes!

You recently signed with John Jarrold (from the John Jarrold Literary Agency) after completing the Ultimate Novel Writing Course, can you tell us a little about that experience?

John was actually an agent I discovered years before I wrote The Crafter’s Wife on the Ultimate Novel Writing Course. I queried him previously because I really felt that his specialisation and portfolio of current authors (all fantasy, science-fiction and/or horror writers) fitted me perfectly and that he’d be such a great champion for my work. It was his rejection letter that lit the fire in me to apply for the UNWC. I didn’t want my work to just be good. I wanted it to be special. He was therefore one of the first agents I queried after completing the course.

In his true fashion, he replied promptly telling me he would read it within two weeks, and if he hadn’t got back to me by then, to nudge him. After two weeks, I did – he then requested the full within two days. A week later, I had an offer. His level of communication blew my mind (and it still does – communication is so important to me, and I so appreciate his courtesy and transparency).

I ultimately had three full requests for Crafter’s Wife – two through opportunities with the course, and the one ‘slushpile’ offer from John. Of course, I let the other two agents know when John offered – I am actually still yet to hear back from one! Two weeks later, I signed with John, and I haven’t looked back. We’re deep in submission territory now – please keep fingers crossed for me!

What a whirlwind! I know that everyone here at Jericho Writers is wishing you the best of luck on submission. You’ve mentioned before about how your UNWC tutor Philip Womack helped you build confidence in your writing during the year on the course. Have you got any advice for writers struggling with their confidence?

Oof, that’s a toughy. The great thing about Philip was that he didn’t need to like my work. He was there to be brutally honest with me and to thus help me learn and improve. I think that’s a crucial thing – getting eyes on your work that don’t feel compelled to be kind [and perhaps inadvertently or with the best intentions lie] to you. Our partners, our friends – they mean well but haven’t always got the beauty or clarity of objectivity. So oddly enough, I think putting yourself out there actually helps build confidence. Joining writers’ groups, going to festivals, chatting to agents and editors – embedding yourself within the world you want to be a part of makes you feel the part, and sometimes that can be enough to quiet the self-doubt.  

You’ve spent years developing your craft. Is there anything you have found particularly useful on your journey?

One thing I found particularly helpful was the early modules during the Ultimate Novel Writing Course about plotting. I’ve never been a strong plotter (which is code for I HATE PLOTTING), usually pantsing my way through manuscripts with a vague outline of where I wanted to go. For me, that kept writing exciting.

The UNWC encouraged me to create a plot outline, encompassing three different acts, and I actually found it really helpful this time. I’d never go as far as to say I’m a plotter now, but maybe a reluctant plantser. I am definitely going to apply those skills (as well as the chapter breakdown and plotting sheets!) to the next manuscript I write.

Another thing I did differently for The Crafter’s Wife is I started with my cover letter. Which sounds a bit mad, I know – but having that short paragraph where I nailed the essence of what I wanted the story to be helped massively during drafting. Whenever I felt the story slipping or meandering, I would re-read the cover letter, re-align myself with what I wanted to achieve, and that gave me direction.   

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After having spent years writing and re-writing the same story, spending infinite amounts of time with your characters, and waking up sporadically in the middle of the night with ideas – how did you know it was time to submit?

I don’t know that you ever truly know it’s time. I think you just get so mind-boggled with your own story and words that the thought of editing for another minute just feels so repulsive that you know it’s time! And I say this as someone who’s favourite part of the writing process is editing. I love editing. To me, drafting is like making a giant mound of sand, and editing is sculpting it into a castle. It’s the bit where you add the beauty, for me at least. So when I can’t bear the thought of staring at my words a moment longer, I know it’s time.

 We love asking our writers for one piece of advice they wish they knew at the beginning of their journey. If you could go back, what would you tell your past self?

Take your time. Make decisions with care. If you truly want this to be your journey – and hopefully one day a real career – it’s worth taking however much time you need to make these important decisions.

John is actually my second agent – I have been previously agented before. She was a genuinely lovely person, but not the right fit for my work, which I now know with hindsight. I rushed my first decision and made silly choices because I was excited and scared of losing the offer I had. Now, I know it’s okay to value myself in the process and take the time I need. We are all equals in this process – even though sometimes the power balance feels off.

Thank you so much for joining us Dani! We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.